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Are Blind Spots a Myth?

In an effort to reduce lane-change accidents, some automakers are trying radar to eliminate blind spots that could conceal an adjacent vehicle.

For example: Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, or BLIS, which uses radar located in each rear-quarter panel to scan for objects between the rear bumper and the outside mirror. If an object is detected, a small warning light in the side-view mirror illuminates. Recently, I tried BLIS on the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, on which it is a $1,595 option, and it worked well, picking up a vehicle in the blind spot. But there is the cheaper way to eliminate blind spots.

Here’s the short and less technical version of what it says: The driver leans his head against the driver’s window and sets the mirror so that the side of the vehicle is just visible. Then, the driver leans to the middle of the vehicle (between the front seats) and does the same thing with the passenger-side mirror.

It is necessary to check that the mirrors are properly set, of course. Here’s how that is done: Watch a vehicle approach in the rear-view mirror. It should appear in the side-view mirror before it leaves the rear-view mirror. And then it should appear in the driver’s peripheral vision before it leaves the side-view mirror. When I Platzer-ized the Fusion Hybrid, I could see the nose of a vehicle appear just as the BLIS warning light illuminated.

So, what is the point of a system like BLIS? In an interview, Steve Kozak, Ford’s chief safety engineer, acknowledged that side mirrors can be set to eliminate the blind zone. But most drivers don’t adjust their mirrors that way so BLIS is a valuable safety aid, he said.

“If we could train everyone in the United States to do it that way, then I think we would probably be a lot better and we wouldn’t need a system like this,” he said.

One other component of BLIS is what Ford calls Cross Traffic Alert. It scans about 65 feet on either side of the vehicle’s rear. The idea is to make it easier to back out of a parking spot.

Mr. Platzer has yet another alternative. He patented a mirror system called BlindZoneMirror that uses a smaller mirror that is integrated into part of the side-view mirror. Each mirror is engineered for a specific vehicle, he said.

Mr. Platzer licensed BlindZoneMirror to Magna International, and it was introduced on the Ford Edge, on which it is standard on all models, and Chevrolet Traverse, on which it is standard on all but the base model. The BlindZoneMirror was a winner in the 2009 Automotive News’ PACE Awards, which honor “superior innovation and technological advancement.” The PACE judges described the mirror as “an elegant and inexpensive solution” to a recognized safety problem.

I have used the “wider” side view mirror settings for years – you still need to pay attention, but blind spots are pretty much eliminated. If you are seated in your normal driving position and you can see the sides of your car in the mirrors, then the mirrors are set too close in.

Some cars look good on the outside. But from the drivers seat, you might as well be seated in a T-34 Tank. Many new designs feature swooping dramatic C-columns. They are trapezoidal, pyramidal, rectangular but thick , making blind spots of 15-20 degrees at the critical heights of traffic. ie. Hummer, Dodge Magnum, Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Vibe/Matrix, FJ6, Mazda3, Ford Fiesta(euro).
Apparently in the auto world, external stylists get the last word in safety, and they care more about appearances than blind spots. Maybe auto makers should sit in the drivers seat more…you could miss an elephant in some of the more egregarious examples.

One problem with this is that if you do it at night, you wind up with pretty much of a 360 degree blind spot, thanks to the glare from the headlights of all the drivers who were never taught about the dimmer switch.

And to make night driving even more pleasant, it seems that many SUVs now come with two sets of headlights – one mounted low to the ground, one high enough to create glare even in the unlikely event they are dimmed.

How reassuring to know that others do this! People seem to think it’s a requirement to see the sides of their car in their mirrors. With this adjustment, you still can, you just have to lean your head a little in either direction.

The main problem I have is being in the habit of having no blind spots in my own car, and then driving someone else’s and not wanting to mess with their mirrors. I suppose I should get over that!

How many people are killed because they couldn’t see someone in their blind spot? How about a system that doesn’t allow the car to start unless the driver’s seat belt is buckled? How much could that cost?

The problem with technology like this is it causes people to rely soley on the device without double checking that a car may or not be in their blind spot. Much like drivers who will follow a GPS system that mistakenly routes a driver in the wrong direction, eg down a one way street even though signs and everything else are clearly displayed that they are going the wrong way. I’m not saying its a bad thing to have it but it makes people lazy to verify

Thats all good, but what about the blind spots between the front windshield and side windows. The frame of the vehicle and the side view mirror block being able to see anything for a second or two, which i found dangerous and aggravating. They use to make them way thinner. Now their so thick that it’s dangerous. Does anyone else notice that?

I have also used the wide mirror setting technique since I was in college in the seventies, and have tried to teach my kids to do the same. Unfortunately, most drivers set their outside mirrors to see behind them, which renders them useless. I own an auto repair shop, and test drive all the cars that we repair–few outside mirrors are adjusted in any kind of a useful manner.

How about putting down the cell phone or text device, turn you head once in a while. Be aware of who is coming up behind you and as a normal part of defensive driving keep track of where they are. There are enough “contraptions” on cars that people dont use properly now. Why add another one.

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A team of New York Times contributors blogs about news, trends and all things automotive. Check back for insight, photos, reviews of cars and more. And remember to join the conversation — you can comment on the cars, offer your own reviews, and post questions in our reader comment area.

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